Friday, May 14

Daily News Brief

*) Israel pounds Gaza as death toll soars past 100 Israel has bombarded Gaza with artillery and air strikes but stopped short of a ground offensive in the conflict. Israeli aggression has claimed more than 100 Palestinian lives, including 31 children, and wounded 621 people. In another potential escalation, at least three rockets were fired from southern Lebanon toward Israel overnight. Israel's attacks on Gaza follow weeks of violence against Palestinians amid spiking tensions in occupied East Jerusalem during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. *) Muslims celebrate Eid al Fitr amid coronavirus measures Eid al Fitr, the holiday marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, is being celebrated worldwide under the shadow of the coronavirus. Traditionally, Eid is a three-day celebration marked by large family festivities and mass prayers. But this year many could only celebrate at home with immediate family. Special prayers were held in a limited manner while adhering to anti-virus measures. *) India's Covid cases above 24 million as mutant spreads across globe The number of infections in India climbed above 24 million amid reports that the highly transmissible mutant first detected in the country was spreading across the globe. The Indian B.1.617 variant of the virus has been found in cases in eight countries of the Americas, including Canada and the US. According to health ministry data, India recorded 4,000 deaths and 343,144 infections in the last 24 hours. *) Two climbers die of exhaustion on Mount Everest descent Two climbers from the US and Switzerland have died on Mount Everest, the first fatalities of this year's season, expedition organisers in Nepal have said. On average around five climbers die every year on the world's highest peak. But in recent seasons, Everest has seen a surge in the number of climbers, leading to overcrowding that has been blamed for multiple deaths. And finally ... *) 'Friends' reunion to air May 27, with slew of celebrity guests The long-awaited "Friends" cast reunion will be broadcast on May 27 and will feature a slew of celebrity guests including Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, and K-Pop band BTS. "Friends: The Reunion" was originally supposed to have been filmed more than a year ago but was repeatedly delayed by the coronavirus. "Friends" was one of the most popular TV shows of the 1990s and found new life on streaming platforms.